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Traffic in Augusta is usually never anything to complain about, but we pay our dues once a year and that time is rolling around. Thankfully, local media do a great job keeping an eagle eye out for places to avoid and times to stay off the road, but this year the city of Augusta is trying to do its part as well.

Follow @ARCTraffic on twitter and Facebook for up-to-date traffic and incident information, provided by the Augusta Traffic Engineering Department.

I’ll be curious to see how prompt these updates are – the Traffic Department might have to confirm and double-confirm things, whereas other media outlets can just use listener tips.

WHAT’S AFFORDABLE

The 15th annual Mayor’s Masters Reception will be Monday night at the Augusta Common, and this year’s featured Masters Tournament champion is Craig Stadler.

This event is a really neat time, with a $1 admission donated to charities.

Gates open at 6 p.m., and the ceremony honoring Stadler kicks off at 6:30. Local restaurants and businesses will have food samples for you to munch on during the activities.

If you recall, Stadler won the tournament in 1982 in a sudden-death playoff with Dan Pohl. His nickname is “The Walrus” because of his iconic mustache, and his son Kevin is also a professional golfer.

WHAT’S TRENDY

If you’re visiting, welcome to Augusta! We are so delighted to have you here, and know you’ll come to love this town as much as we do.

Golf may be on the forefront of your mind, but if you need to pick up some Augusta gifts for the non-golfer back home, I’ve got you covered.

Surrey Center on Highland Avenue has a wide range of shops very close to the course, where you can find something for just about anyone. The Swank Co., Shoes at Surrey, Soho and one are great places for wife/girlfriend/daughter gifts.

If you’re looking for golf gear, check out Bonaventure Discount Golf Warehouse off Bobby Jones Expressway at Interstate 20. And if you’re really in the mood to shop, think about taking a short road trip to Aiken. The downtown is so beautiful and has a great selection of restaurants, local retailers and antiques.